Myths about osteopathy

Below are a list of myths about osteopathy. You can also view our common questions about osteopathy.

There are a number of common myths about osteopathy. These are usually started by a simple misunderstanding of the sound science behind osteopathy and the far reaching benefits that can be enjoyed.

False. Occasionally health funds may perpetuate this myth, by listing osteopathy benefits under ‘alternative medicine’ practitioners. However there is nothing medically alternative about osteopathy.

The definition of ‘alternative medicine’ is a healing art not taught in conventional western medical circles. Osteopathy is a scientifically based professional form of medical therapy taught at universities throughout the world.

False. Osteopathy takes a holistic approach to treatment. Osteopaths can treat your body’s bones, muscles and body systems. It is commonly assumed that osteopathy only treats bones. This common assumption is often based on the conditions osteoporosis and osteoarthritis – two common bone related ailments.

Early osteopaths were known as ‘bone setters’. The beginnings of osteopathy did have its roots in bone manipulation, however the approach quickly evolved to cover all muscle and body systems.

False. Becoming an osteopath requires five years of intensive university study. During this time osteopaths learn the intricate harmonious workings of the body’s biology and physiology.

Subjects taught include: anatomy, physiology, pathology, radiology and clinical medicine.

All osteopaths are required to perform two years of supervised osteopathy before graduating. Students are taught by some of Australia’s leading osteopaths – many of whom are at the forefront of manual therapy research.

False. Osteopathy is one of the earliest founded manual therapies. Osteopathy was founded in 1874. In comparison chiropractic therapy was founded in 1895, and modern physiotherapy founded in 1896.

False. Chiropractors, physiotherapists and osteopaths all follow different treatment philosophies and methods. Inlign Osteopathy understands that everything in the body is inter-related and therefore must be looked at as a whole, rather than just a separate section. By assessing how each patient’s bones, muscles and body systems are aligned, the body’s recovery time and healing capacity is accelerated.

You need to make a decision on which philosophy and practitioner best suits you.

When assessing the best practitioner for your condition, you may wish to consider some of the following questions:

• Can my practitioner treat my whole body, from my head, ribs, spine, pelvis and legs?

Inlign Osteopathy confidently answers ‘YES’ to all questions.